Hoops by Matt Tavares

Abstract

Reviewed by: Hoops by Matt Tavares Danica Ronquillo Tavares, Matt Hoops; written and illus. by Matt Tavares. Candlewick, 2023 [224p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781536201369 $22.99 Paper ed. ISBN 9781536231953 $12.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 5-8 In 1975, high school senior Judi Wilson is a co-cheerleading captain in Wilkins, Indiana, but she’d rather be playing for the basketball team, the Bears, than cheering for them. When an opportunity arises to be on the school’s first ever girls’ basketball team, Judi jumps into the action with seven other girls to form the Lady Bears. The girls soon realize they do not have the same support as the boys: they do not have the funds for uniforms and laundry services, they lack reliable transportation, and they can only use the gym to practice after the boys are done. From navigating shifting friendships and making the most out of difficult situations with Coach Martinez, Judi and her basketball team learn to use the power of their voices to list demands and stand up for what they believe in. A work of fiction inspired by a true story about the 1976 Warsaw High School girls’ basketball team, this graphic novel has an easy-to-follow accessibility, with captions highlighting the impact of gender inequality and tracking how much time has passed as the school system provides little to no changes for the girls’ team. Consistent paneling effectively expresses the girls’ growing influence in their community game after game. Sports fans will adore the wholesome and empowering friendships and learn how to shoot for a historic victory to make a difference in today’s high school sports. An author’s note is included. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois